"Global Plastic Treaty Towards a Plastic Circular Economy Society"

Plastic pollution is growing globally, requiring a new social transformation. More than 170 countries have agreed to create a legally binding international plastics convention by the end of 2024. The final Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee for a global plastics convention will be held in Busan for one week from November 24th to 25th. A global plastics convention marks the transition to a circular economy. In this forum, we would like to introduce the audience to the trend of the international plastics convention, the direction of the response, and the direction of action to transition our society to a circular economy for plastics and social system transformation.

"Cases of C40 City Policy In Response To Plastic Pollution"

Our planet faces a plastic pollution crisis, especially in urban areas where high population densities generate vast amounts of waste. Around 75% of plastic waste comes from municipal solid waste streams, much of it ending up in landfills and waterways, contributing to climate change and worsening environmental impacts. Since 99% of plastics are derived from petrochemicals, plastic production adds approximately 850 million tons of CO2 emissions annually.

To combat plastic pollution, a systemic shift is needed toward a circular economy, focusing on redesigning and reusing plastics. Cities play a pivotal role in this effort, leading initiatives like education campaigns, single-use plastic bans, and improved waste management. However, tackling the problem requires a full lifecycle approach and collaboration from all stakeholders.

As cities are key to addressing plastic pollution, this session at the Seoul International Forum on Climate and Environment (SIFCE) 2024 will showcase innovative policies and local solutions from leading cities across Asia.

"Plastic of the Anthropocene Epoch"

Plastic is often taken as evidence of the Anthropocene era. Produced by humans, who use it in unlimited ways, plastic is piling up all over the planet. To those from outer space who visit the Earth in the future, plastic will be the fossil defining the period we currently live in. For more than ten years now, I have taken an interest in and investigated the plastic problem in depth, tracking entire plastic cycles from beginning to end. Today, I would like to share my thoughts on the significance of plastic in the Anthropocene era with the audience.

"Addressing the Nexus between Climate Change and Plastic Pollution through the Global Ocean"

The Green Climate Fund (GCF), the world's largest fund dedicated to climate action, understands the link between plastic waste pollution and climate change through the global ocean. The ocean holds 97% of the world's water, supports 90% of the biosphere, produces 50% of the oxygen we breathe, absorbs 25% of carbon dioxide emissions, and captures 90% of excess heat. Beyond its ecological significance, the ocean contributes to sustainable development, with ocean-based industries projected to grow significantly.

And yet, plastic pollution continues to pose a major threat, with 80% of marine pollution consisting of plastic waste. Around 8-10 million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean annually, exacerbating environmental degradation and global warming. Only 10% of plastic is recycled, while the rest pollutes the oceans or is incinerated, releasing harmful emissions.

Since 2014, GCF has committed over $1 billion to ocean conservation, waste management, and coastal resilience. Some of its key initiatives include:

• The Global Fund for Coral Reefs Investment Window: A $500 million program protecting coral reefs by encouraging investments in the blue economy.
• The Green Cities Facility: A $283 million initiative to support cities with climate-resilient urban infrastructure.
• Transforming Financial Systems for Climate Project: A $715 million program to scale up climate finance and reinforce local partners in climate-related sectors.
• The Green Growth Equity Fund: A $195 million fund to promote low-carbon platforms in India's energy value chain.
• The Great Blue Wall Initiative: A $300 million program to restore the regenerative capacity of the Western Indian Ocean coastline to improve resilience and support the blue economy.

These projects demonstrate GCF's strong commitment to addressing plastic pollution and climate change.

"International community's Efforts to stop the use of plastic"

We present an overview of international efforts to reduce plastic use through panel discussions featuring representatives from four cities: Bangkok, Beijing, Kuala Lumpur, and Matosinhos.